John mapped the lineage of cells in the nematode C. elegans, which made it possible for researchers to study the mechanisms of cell division during development of tissues and underlying processes. He also demonstrated that programmed cell death occurs as part of the normal development of animals.
In an interview with the London-based newspaper Sunday Times, published on October 14 2007, Dr. Watson commented that he was “inherently gloomy about the prospect of Africa” and that “all our social policies are based on the fact that their intelligence is the same as ours - whereas all the testing says not really”.
The comments created a huge controversy and led to cancellation of his speaking program in UK to launch the new memoir (Avoid Boring People: Lessons from a Life in Science). The Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory New York (USA) terminated his Chancellor position. Also, Rockefeller University cancelled Dr. Watson's planned lecture at a ceremony honoring him and his famous book The Double Helix.